Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Jan. 9 to 12 – The Circus!

“LADIEEEEEES and GENTLEMEN” – the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey present “Legends!” – living legends – as the Circus presents performers from around the globe along with the magic of the mythical: a unicorn, a Pegasus and a woolly mammoth. “Legends!,” a brand new show running Jan. 9 to 12 at Amway Center, includes Alexander Lacey’s return with the Lacey family’s 11 generations of lions and nine generations of tigers. For show times and information, visit Ringling.com

Jan. 9 to 19 – That demon barber – Sweeney Todd

For more than 150 years the legend of Sweeney Todd has fed the appetites of those hungry for ghoulish tales of violence. Beginning Jan. 9, Clandestine-Arts will transform The Venue into 1800s London and bring this grisly adventure to life in the Stephen Sondheim musical. The murderer, played by Stephen Jones, will sing as he wreaks havoc from his Fleet Street barber shop. For tickets, visit clandestine-arts.com or call 408-676-7095. The Venue is at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando.

Jan. 10 – Good Morning Winter Park welcomes New Hope for Kids

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce begins its 2014 programming with a before work event that invites residents and business owners to learn about the non-profit New Hope for Kids. New Hope’s mission is to bring healing and happiness to children and families suffering loss of a loved one or life-threatening illness. Attendees will hear how the Chamber plans to support this organization through its 2014 Chamber Cares Campaign. A complimentary, continental breakfast will be served. The event is free and open to the public at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-644-8281.

Jan. 10, 11 and 12 – Mad Cow presents the Science Play Festival

A unique theatrical experience will be presented by the Mad Cow Theatre in a festival that explores the world of science through staged readings of plays about science. Discussions will follow each reading with experts in the fields of science and art, as Director Denise Gillman lends her expertise. Works include “Isaac's Eye” by Lucas Hnath, “An Experiment with an Air Pump” by Shelagh Stephenson, “Photograph 51” by Anna Ziegler, and “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” a play for young people adapted by Lauren Gunderson. Running Jan. 10, 11 and 12, Mad Cow is located at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Jan. 11 – Songs of Elton John from the Orlando Philharmonic

After his sold out performances with the Philharmonic in 2012, Grammy and Tony Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh returns to Orlando to perform “Pinball Wizard,” “Crocodile Rock” and other rock hits from the legendary Elton John. Cavanaugh will have his band – and the Orlando Philharmonic, conducted by Andrew Lane – to share the stage at the Bob Carr PAC on Jan. 11 at 2 and 8 p.m. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan. 15 and 16 – Artful Events presents Broadway Cabaret Series

Two-time Tony Award winner for his performances in “Catch Me If You Can” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Norbert Leo Butz will reprise his acclaimed cabaret show – “Memory & Mayhem Unplugged” – at The Abbey in Orlando on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. The show features reimagined arrangements from his Broadway musicals along with songs that were part of Norbert’s life growing up in Missouri – ranging from country to rock ‘n roll. Tickets area available at ticketweb.com for $75 and $50.

Jan. 16 – ‘I Believe’ at the City Arts Factory

“What do you believe?” is a question of fundamental importance, shaping our life-orientation and shaping the world in which we live. Art for All Spaces will present an art exhibit about believing. Through words and images, artists will share the beliefs that inform and inspire them. In addition, poets will present verses based upon the “I Believe” titles. Hosted by CityArts Factory (29 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando), Downtown Arts District, and Art for All Spaces, call 407-450-2255 or email [email protected]

Jan. 17 to April 6 – ‘Southwestern Allure’ opens Mennello's 15th season

“Southwestern Allure: The Art of the Santa Fe Art Colony” will open the Mennello Museum’s 15th season in an exhibit of 40 artworks that reflect the experience of Santa Fe as an art colony. Featuring the period from 1915 to 1940, “Allure” explores the artists who went to Santa Fe, what compelled them, and the work they produced. The exhibit is available for viewing on Jan. 17, and the official opening reception will be held on Jan. 31 beginning at 6 p.m. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Jan. 17 to 27 – Breakthrough Theatre presents ‘Best of Broadway’

In what has become an annual musical revue featuring the songs from Broadway musicals that opened (within a given time-frame), Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park hits a home-run by choosing Broadway shows from 1975 to 1984. Proving that you can please all of the people some-of-the-time, this year's revue features songs from “The Wiz,” “A Chorus Line,” “Annie,” “Chicago,” “Godspell,” “Working,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Ballroom,” “Evita,” “42nd Street,” “Woman of the Year,” “Nine,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” and “Cats.” With performances from Jan. 17 to 27, call 407-920-4034 to reserve your seat.

Jan. 17, 18, 19 – CFCArts’ Spotlight presents Melissa Braillard

The start of a new year brings us “Resolutions,” featuring the effervescent Melissa Braillard, in a night of music about “risks we take, decisions we make, and resolutions we break.” A singing actor in Central Florida for more than 10 years, Melissa has performed with Orlando Shakespeare, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando Philharmonic, Walt Disney World and more. “Resolutions” will be performed on Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at 5 p.m., and Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church at 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Tickets are on sale at cfcarts.com/resolutions-january-spotlight-series

Jan. 18 – Festival Singers – ‘Singing the Scriptures’

With a repertoire ranging from Brahms to Bernstein, the Festival Singers of Florida will present a choral concert, “Singing the Scriptures” at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 400 Lakemont Ave. on Jan. 18. Incorporating Biblical texts as well as hymns, selections will include “Lead,” “Kindly Light,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Jubilate Deo,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and more. The performance is free. Visit fsof.org

Current – $3 million raised for Orlando Philharmonic’s new home

Central Florida’s unprecedented ‘year of giving’ to the arts ended on a high note as the Orlando Philharmonic announced an anonymous gift of $1 million for its new home at Plaza Live. Bringing the total raised to $3.1 million, the donor joins philanthropists Marc and Sharon Hagle ($750,000); Bryce West ($500,000); and Kenneth and Ann Hicks Murrah ($500,000) providing the Orchestra with funds to begin Phase I of renovations. Those renovations will include new seating and renovations to the rehearsal hall, administrative offices and backstage. Visit OrlandoPhil.org